Starting Pitching Value

Ok, so now that you're waiting to draft a starting pitcher, who do you target in those mid to late rounds? I thought I'd run down a few options that could provide good value and a solid core to build your staff around.

Javier Vazquez SP ATL - Vazquez delivered a disappointing 2008 season despite putting up quality stats in some of the categories, especially strike outs with 200. The problem was that those good strike out numbers didn't turn into fantasy success. With only 12 wins and an era of 4.67. I like Vazquez to rebound for a number of reasons. He should find things a bit easier in the NL and if he can maintain his strike out rate, he should deliver much better numbers.

Zach Grienke SP KC - Grienke was a pleasant surprise for the Royals last year and gave owners who found him on the wire with 180+ K's as well as an excellent 3.47 ERA. Look for him to build on his success and make that leap into the upper tier of SP.

Scott Baker & Kevin Slowey SP MIN - The Twins always seem to find quality pitchers and these 2 are no exception. While they won't wow you with their power, but what they will give you is quality innings and normally a chance for a win. Baker delivered a minuscule WHIP of 1.18 while Slowey was a little better at 1.15. These are the guys that you need to gain points in those ratio categories.

Matt Garza SP TBY - Another former Twin, Garza came through for the upstart Rays last year and provided them a solid #3 starter. He didn't come through with great fantasy stats, but he should improve with another year under his belt. He'd also be a great #3 or #4 starter for you squad.

Randy Johnson SP SF - You know that The Big Unit's best days are behind him, but he can still put up the numbers to help you this year. A move to SF could give him a boost across the board (well, maybe not in the win category). He still came close to a strike out an inning and if he can stay healthy, he should bump those numbers up slightly.

There are many more options available in the last half of your draft like these. They are just a few examples of why it's smart to wait on starting pitching and grab a bunch of those hitters first. With a few of these guys and some smart waiver wire work early in the year, you'll be positioned to make a run for the title.